The preventive and therapeutic consumption of meat enriched with carob fruit extract, rich in phenolic compounds, improves colonic antioxidant status in late-stage T2DM rats.

Oxidative stress is prevalent in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and has been associated with high meat consumption. Carob Fruit Extract (CFE) contains phenolic compounds, making it a suitable functional ingredient. Current study aims to evaluate the effect of CFE-enriched meat (CFE-meat) consumption on the antioxidant status of proximal and distal colon, and its relationship with fecal phenolic compounds in late-stage T2DM rats. Three groups of eight rats were studied: 1) D, fed control-meat; 2) ED, fed CFE-meat since the beginning of the study; 3) DE, fed CFE-meat after confirming T2DM. CFE-meat consumption reduces colonic oxidative stress mainly in the proximal section and helps to ameliorate glutathione metabolism and antioxidant score. Difference between ED and DE groups were associated with colon homeostasis and T2DM progression suggesting greater fermentation but lower absorption in the DE group. CFE appears as a promising tool to improve the antioxidant status observed in late-stage T2DM.

Silicon-enriched meat positively improves plasma lipidaemia and lipoproteinaemia, LDLr, and insulin capability and the signalling pathway induced by an atherogenic diet in late-stage type 2 diabetes mellitus rats.

The impact of silicon as a functional ingredient in restructured meat (RM) on lipoprotein composition, metabolism, and oxidation on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) markers has never been studied. This study aims to evaluate the effect of silicon-enriched-meat consumption on lipidaemia, lipoprotein profile and metabolism, plasma arylesterase, and TBARS and their relationships with glycaemia, insulinaemia, and insulin-signaling markers in late-stage-T2DM rats fed a high-saturated-fat-high-cholesterol (HSFHC) diet. Saturated-fat diets with or without added cholesterol were formulated by mixing a 70% purified diet with 30% freeze-dried RM with or without added silicon. Three groups of seven Wistar rats each were tested. The ED group received the control RM in the framework of a high-saturated-fat diet as early-stage T2DM control. The other two groups received streptozotocin-nicotinamide administration together with the HSFHC diet containing the control RM (LD) or silicon-enriched RM (LD-Si). Scores were created to define the diabetic trend and dyslipidaemia. The ED rats showed hyperglycaemia, hyperinsulinaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, and triglyceride-rich-VLDLs, suggesting they were in early-stage T2DM. LD rats presented hyperglycaemia, hypoinsulinaemia, and reduced HOMA-beta and insulin signaling markers typical of late-stage T2DM along with hypercholesterolaemia and high amounts of beta-VLDL, IDL, and LDL particles and low arylesterase activity. All these markers were significantly (p < 0.05) improved in LD-Si rats. The diabetic trend and diabetes dyslipidaemia scores showed a high and significant correlation (r = 0.595, p < 0.01). Silicon-enriched-meat consumption counterbalances the negative effects of HSFHC diets, functioning as an active hypolipemic, antioxidant, and antidiabetic dietary ingredient in a T2DM rat model, delaying the onset of late-stage diabetes.

Proanthocyanidins: Impact on Gut Microbiota and Intestinal Action Mechanisms in the Prevention and Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome.

The metabolic syndrome (MS) is a cluster of risk factors, such as central obesity, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and arterial hypertension, which increase the probability of causing premature mortality. The consumption of high-fat diets (HFD), normally referred to high-saturated fat diets, is a major driver of the rising incidence of MS. In fact, the altered interplay between HFD, microbiome, and the intestinal barrier is being considered as a possible origin of MS. Consumption of proanthocyanidins (PAs) has a beneficial effect against the metabolic disturbances in MS. However, there are no conclusive results in the literature about the efficacy of PAs in improving MS. This review allows a comprehensive validation of the diverse effects of the PAs on the intestinal dysfunction in HFD-induced MS, differentiating between preventive and therapeutic actions. Special emphasis is placed on the impact of PAs on the gut microbiota, providing a system to facilitate comparison between the studies. PAs can modulate the microbiome toward a healthy profile and strength barrier integrity. Nevertheless, to date, published clinical trials to verify preclinical findings are scarce. Finally, the preventive consumption of PAs in MS-associated dysbiosis and intestinal dysfunction induced by HFD seems more successful than the treatment strategy.

Nos la dan con queso / Someone is pulling the wool over our eyes

“Te la dan con queso” es un refrán que surgió a raíz de una estratagema de engaño, por parte de los bodegueros, para vender a mayor precio vinos de baja calidad. Este artículo comienza revisando aspectos básicos del nacimiento de la Nutrición como Ciencia comentando muy fugazmente sus etapas química, biológica, experimental, y metabólica, para luego reflexionar sobre el momento actual en el que la Nutrición se ha hecho muy plural y compleja. Hoy tratamos de encontrar las líneas maestras de una nutrición que sea adecuada, válida y eficaz para todos, tanto desde el punto de vista preventivo como curativo. Esta Nutrición, conocida con el nombre de Nutrición de Precisión, está basada en el estudio y conocimiento de la interacción de lo que comemos con nuestro genoma y el ambioma. Por eso denunciamos que personas sin formación en nutrición, se atrevan a dar consejos nutricionales casi dogmáticos, que crean hábitos incorrectos y situaciones de salud precarias. Para luchar contra los bulos y noticias erróneas sobre nutrición que aparecen continuamente en los medios de comunicación y en las redes sociales, y denunciar que "nos la dan con queso", están surgiendo nuevas metodologías (p. ej. los "Infogramas") que utilizan esquemas sencillos conteniendo información científica contrastada que se difunden en las propias redes sociales para intentar desmontar algunos "fakes" que se consideran virales.(AU)

"Que no te la den con queso" (free translation, “Don´t let someone pull the wool over your eyes”) is an expression that arose from a winemaker’s deception stratagem, to sell wines of poor quality at a high price. This article stars describing basic aspects of the beginning of Nutrition as a Science, commenting very briefly on its chemical, biological, experimental, and metabolic stages, to then reflect on the current moment in which Nutrition has become very plural and complex. Today we try to find the guidelines for an adequate, valid, and effective nutrition for everyone under a preventive and curative points of view. This Nutrition, known as Precision Nutrition, is based on the study and knowledge of the interaction among what we eat with, our genome. and the ambiome. That is why we denounce that people without training in nutrition dare to give almost dogmatic nutritional advice, which creates incorrect habits and precarious health situations. In order to fight against the hoaxes and erroneous news about nutrition that continually appear in the media and social networks, and to denounce that "someone is pulling the wood over our eyes”, new methodologies are emerging (e.g. "Infograms") that use simple diagrams containing contrasted scientific information that are disseminated in the social networks themselves to try to dismantle some "fakes" that are considered viral.(AU)

Could Duodenal Molecular Mechanisms be Involved in the Hypocholesterolemic Effect of Silicon Used as Functional Ingredient in Late-Stage Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus?

SCOPE: Hypercholesterolemia increases the risk of mortality in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), especially in the late-stage. Consumption of bioactive compounds as functional ingredients would help achieve therapeutic goals for cholesterolemia. Silicon has demonstrated a hypocholesterolemic effect and the ability to reduce fat digestion. However, it is unclear whether silicon exerts such effect in late-stage T2DM (LD) and the intestinal mechanisms involved. METHODS AND RESULTS: Three groups of eight rats were included: early-stage T2DM control (ED), LD, and the LD group treated with silicon (LD-Si) once the rats were diabetic. Morphological alterations of the duodenal mucosa, and levels of markers involve in cholesterol absorption and excretion, beside cholesterolemia, and fecal excretion were assayed. Silicon included as a functional ingredient significantly reduces cholesterolemia in part due to: 1) reducing cholesterol intestinal absorption by decreasing the absorptive area and Acetyl-Coenzyme A acetyltransferase-2 (ACAT2) levels; and 2) increasing cholesterol excretion to the lumen by induction of the liver X receptor (LXR) and consequent increase of adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporter (ABCG5/8). CONCLUSIONS: These results provide insight into the intestinal molecular mechanisms by which silicon reduces cholesterolemia and highlights the efficacy of the consumption of silicon-enriched functional foods in late-stage T2DM.

Efectos protectores de las proantocianidinas a nivel intestinal frente a estrés termooxidativo por ingestión de aceite de girasol utilizado en fritura / Protective effects of proanthocyanidins at the intestinal levelagainst thermooxidative stress due to ingestion of sunflower oil used in frying

La fritura repetida de alimentos produce termooxidación y polimerización, potencialmente negativas para la salud. Se desconoce cómo reacciona el sistema gastrointestinal frente a estos compuestos. Las proantocianidinas poseen propiedades antioxidantes e hipolipemiantes. Hipotetizamos que un extracto de algarrobo rico en proantocianidinas (CFE) mejora la defensa del intestino frente a la agresión termooxidativa. Se estudió, en el aceite de girasol, la termooxidación producida por la fritura repetida de pescado y, en ratas Wistar, el efecto de administrar conjuntamente aceite de fritura y CFE sobre: la digestión de los compuestos termooxidados, la lipemia postprandial, las proteínas implicadas en la absorción de lípidos, y la actividad y expresión antioxidante y de hemo-oxigenasa-1 en intestino delgado. Doce ratas Wistar, macho, de 200-250 g fueron canuladas durante una semana con la mezcla del aceite termooxidado-CFE o con aceite termooxidado. Se cuantificó la alteración termooxidativa en el aceite de fritura y en la grasa post-prandial del lumen gastrointestinal, la lipemia postprandial, las proteínas NPC1L1, ACAT-2 y MTP, y el estado antioxidante en duodeno, yeyuno e íleon. Se encontraron niveles elevados de compuestos de polimerización y triglicéridos oxidados en el aceite de girasol y en la grasa del lumen gastrointestinal. La administración de aceite de girasol termooxidado-CFE disminuye la digestibilidad del aceite y de los compuestos poliméricos/termooxidados, aminora la lipemia postprandial, eleva NPC1L1, ACAT-2 y MTP, y mejora el estado antioxidante intestinal y la excreción de polímeros fecales. El empleo de CFE reduce la lipemia postprandial y garantiza un estado antioxidante intestinal adecuado frente a lípidos termooxidados.(AU)

The repeated frying of food in sunflower oil produces thermo-oxidation and polymerization, potentially negative for health. The reaction of the gastrointestinal system to these compounds is unknown. Proanthocyanidins have antioxidant and lipid-lowering properties. We hypothesize that a carob-fruit extract rich in proanthocyanidins (CFE) improves the defense of the intestine against thermo-oxidative aggression. In sunflower oil, the thermo-oxidation produced by repeated frying of fish was studied while, in Wistar rats, the effect of jointly administering altered sunflower oil and CFE on: the digestion of thermo-oxidized compounds, postprandial lipaemia, proteins involved in lipid absorption, antioxidant and hemoxygenase-1 activity and expression in the small intestine. Twelve male Wistar rats, 200-250 g were cannulated for one week with the mixture of the thermo-oxidized oil-CFE or the thermo-oxidized oil. Thermo-oxidation was determined in sunflower oil and in the postprandial-fat of the gastrointestinal lumen, postprandial lipaemia, the proteins NPC1L1, ACAT-2 and MTP, and the antioxidant status in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum. High thermo-oxidation and polymerization levels were found on sunflower oil and fat in the gastrointestinal lumen. The administration of thermo-oxidized sunflower oil-CFE decreases the digestibility of the oil and the polymeric/thermo-oxidized compounds, reduces postprandial lipaemia, increases NPC1L1, ACAT-2, and MTP, and improves the intestinal antioxidant status and excretion of fecal polymers. The use of CFE reduces postprandial lipaemia and guarantees an adequate intestinal antioxidant status against thermo-oxidized lipids.(AU)

Aprendizaje basado en errores. Una propuesta como nueva estrategia didáctica / Error-based learning. A proposal as a new didactic strategy

Introducción: Este trabajo reúne información preliminar sobre un proyecto cuya hipótesis es que la inclusión de errores en algunos temas por parte del profesor induce a los alumnos a buscarlos, localizarlos, discutirlos y conocerlos, llevando a un mejor conocimiento de la asignatura y por tanto a adquirir las competencias que marca el Plan Bolonia.Métodos: El proyecto que se concibió para aplicar un método basado en el error, pero con potenciación mediante gamificación en cinco asignaturas de tres grados de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid. A causa de la pandemia COVID-19 se tuvieron que modificar algunos objetivos planificados al solicitar la concesión del proyecto, obteniéndose datos objetivos, muchos aun sin evaluar totalmente, de dos asignaturas. Un 10% de los temas explicados tenían errores. Se hicieron evaluaciones con la plataforma Kahoot! y mediante cuestionarios tipo test. Las preguntas tenían cuatro posibles respuestas, de las que solo una era cierta. Se realizaron además un examen parcial liberatorio y un examen final donde se ubicaron preguntas de los temas con errores y sin errores.Resultados: Aunque muchos datos están aún siendo evaluados estadísticamente para conocer el grado de contribución de los temas con errores respecto a sin errores, así como de la gamificación, los resultados sugieren una nota superior y del orden de un 8,2% en los temas con errores. Estas diferencias fueron mucho mayores en el caso de los alumnos de Farmacia (15%, p<0,05) que del Doble grado de Farmacia y Nutrición Humana y Dietética (-4,3%, no significativa). Los alumnos de Farmacia mostraron una nota final superior en relación con el curso anterior, aspecto que no aconteció con los del doble grado. La gamificación se consideró, particularmente efectiva en los alumnos de Farmacia como una iniciativa estimulante y válida.(AU)

Introduction: This work gathers information about a project not yet completed which hypothesis is that the inclusion of errors, by the teacher, in some lessons induces students to search, find, discuss and know them, leading to a better knowledge of the subject and therefore, acquire the competencies set by the Bologna plan.Methods: A method based on error but enhanced by gamification in five subjects of three degrees of the Complutense University of Madrid was conseived. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the planned objectives set when applying for the funding of the project had to be modified. Having objective data, although part still has not been evaluated. A total of 10% of lessons with errors were introduced. Evaluations were conducted with the Kahoot! platform and through multiple choice questionnaires. The questions had four possible answers, of which only one was correct. In addition, partial and final examination were also carried out with questions about the lessons taught with errors and without errors.Results: Although many data are still being statistically evaluated to know the degree of contribution of the topics with errors vs. without errors, as well as gamification, the results suggest a higher score (8.2%) in the topics with errors. These differences were much greater in the case of Pharmacy students (15%, p <0.05) than in the Double degree of Pharmacy and Human Nutrition and Dietetics (-4.3%, not significant). Pharmacy students showed a higher final grade in relation to the previous year, an aspect that did not happen with the double degree students. Gamification was considered particularly effective in Pharmacy students as a stimulating and valid initiative.(AU)

Carob fruit extract-enriched meat, as preventive and curative treatments, improves gut microbiota and colonic barrier integrity in a late-stage T2DM model.

Epidemiological and experimental studies have suggested that dietary fiber and proanthocyanidins play an important role on gut microbiota (GM), colonic integrity and body health. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent disease in which the modifications in the GM and colonic markers stand out. This manuscript hypothesizes the consumption of functional meat enriched in carob fruit extract [CFE; CFE-restructured meat (RM)] ameliorates the dysbiosis and colonic barrier integrity loss in a late-stage T2DM rat model induced by the conjoint action of a high-saturated-fat/high-cholesterol diet (Chol-diet) and a low dose of streptozotocin (STZ) plus a nicotinamide (NAD) injection. Three groups of eight rats were used: (1) D group, a T2DM control group, fed the Chol-diet; (2) ED group, a T2DM preventive strategy group fed the CFE-Chol-diet since the beginning of the study; and (3) DE group, a T2DM curative treatment group, fed the CFE-Chol-diet once the diabetic state was confirmed. The study lasted 8 weeks. Amount and variety of GM, feces short-chain-fatty acids (SCFAs), colonic morphology [crypt depth and density, goblet cells, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) indexes] and tight junctions were evaluated. A global colonic index combining 17 markers (GCindex) was calculated. ED rats displayed higher levels of GM richness, SCFAs production, crypt depth, and goblet cells than the D group. DE group showed lower Enterobacteriaceae abundance and greater TUNEL index and occludin expression in the distal colon than D counterpart. GCindex differentiated the colonic health status of the experimental groups in the order (ED > DE > D; P < 0.001) as a 17-51 range-quotation, ED, DE, and D groups displayed the values 43, 32.5, and 27, respectively. Thus, CFE-RM used as a T2DM preventive therapy could induce higher GM richness, more adequate SCFAs production, and better colonic barrier integrity. Furthermore, CFE-RM used with curative purposes induced more modest changes and mainly at the distal colonic mucosa. Further studies are needed to confirm this study's results, to ascertain the benefits of consuming proanthocyanidins-rich fiber during different T2DM stages.

Functional Meat Products as Oxidative Stress Modulators: A Review.

High meat consumption has been associated with increased oxidative stress mainly due to the generation of oxidized compounds in the body, such as malondialdehyde, 4-hydroxy-nonenal, oxysterols, or protein carbonyls, which can induce oxidative damage. Meat products are excellent matrices for introducing different bioactive compounds, to obtain functional meat products aimed at minimizing the pro-oxidant effects associated with high meat consumption. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the concept and preparation of healthy and functional meat, which could benefit antioxidant status. Likewise, the key strategies regarding meat production and storage as well as ingredients used (e.g., minerals, polyphenols, fatty acids, walnuts) for developing these functional meats are detailed. Although most effort has been made to reduce the oxidation status of meat, newly emerging approaches also aim to improve the oxidation status of consumers of meat products. Thus, we will delve into the relation between functional meats and their health effects on consumers. In this review, animal trials and intervention studies are discussed, ascertaining the extent of functional meat products' properties (e.g., neutralizing reactive oxygen species formation and increasing the antioxidant response). The effects of functional meat products in the frame of diet-gene interactions are analyzed to 1) discover target subjects that would benefit from their consumption, and 2) understand the molecular mechanisms that ensure precision in the prevention and treatment of diseases, where high oxidative stress takes place. Long-term intervention-controlled studies, testing different types and amounts of functional meat, are also necessary to ascertain their positive impact on degenerative diseases.

Alimentos funcionales como alternativa para incrementar la ingesta de fibra dietética y proantocianidinas. Posibles efectos sobre la microbiota intestinal / Functional foods as an alternative to increase the consumption of dietary fiber and proanthocyanidins. Possible effects on the gut microbiota

INTRODUCCIÓN: La fibra dietética es un componente nutricional fundamental, destacando su acción moduladora sobre la microbiota intestinal. El consumo de alimentos de origen vegetal y por ende el de la fibra dietética, tanto en España como en otros muchos países, se ha reducido. Los alimentos funcionales parecer ser una buena alternativa alimentaria para paliar este déficit. OBJETIVOS: 1. Revisar el concepto de fibra dietética. 2. Conocer la situación real de consumo de fibra dietética en España y en otros países europeos en diferentes intervalos de edad. 3. Estudiar los efectos principales del consumo de la fibra dietética y en particular de proantocianidinas (PA) con respecto a la microbiota intestinal. 4. Revisar el concepto de alimento funcional y las posibilidades de incorporar fibra dietética y PA a diferentes alimentos de alto consumo. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: El principal motor de búsqueda ha sido la base de datos PubMed, aunque también se ha hecho uso de Google Scholar, ResearchGate y sciELO. Se han revisado artículos científicos, libros, e informes en fuentes fiables y contrastadas. También se han consultado documentos oficiales, como el Informe de Consumo de Alimentos en España de 2018, publicado por el Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación; la página web de la AESAN y los Reglamentos vigentes de alimentación. RESULTADOS: Se confirma que las ingestas reales de fibra dietética en distintos países de la Unión Europea incluyendo a España, son inferiores de las ingestas dietéticas de referencia (IDR) para la mayoría de los intervalos de edad. Esta inadecuación se exacerba al aumentar la edad. En el artículo se proponen estrategias para alcanzar las IDR, en particular incorporando fibra dietética en alimentos de consumo muy frecuente (p.ej. matrices cárnicas). Se revisa el concepto de alimento funcional y aquellas publicaciones que estudian los efectos de las proantocianidinas (PA) en la recuperación de la microbiota intestinal a otra similar a la que poseen individuos sanos. Se comentan los mecanismos mediante los cuales la microbiota es capaz de hidrolizar las PA y liberar metabolitos con acción protectora intestinal y sistémica. CONCLUSIONES: Dado que modificar los hábitos de consumo por parte de la población parece tarea difícil, se plantea la alternativa de formular alimentos funcionales enriquecidos en fibra dietética y PA. La evidencia positiva creciente observada en cárnicos funcionales enriquecidos con fibra de algarrobo rica en PA sugiere la importancia de continuar investigando en este campo y de iniciar la formulación de nuevos alimentos funcionales (p.ej. cereales, cremas, gominolas, etc.) enriquecidos en este tipo de fibra dietética rica en PA, que propicien un adecuado consumo y los beneficios de sus propiedades funcionales

INTRODUCTION: Dietary fiber is an essential nutritional component, which, its modulating action on gut microbiota must be outlined. The consumption of foods of vegetable origin, and therefore, the dietary's fiber consumption, in Spain, as well as in some other countries, has been reduced. Functional foods have been found to be a great food alternative to solve this dietary deficiency. OBJECTIVES: 1. To review dietary's fiber concept. 2. To get to know the real consumption situation of dietary fiber in Spain, in other European countries; in different age groups. 3. To study the main effects related to dietary fiber consumption, particularly the effects of PA with respect to the gut microbiome. 4. To revise functional foods concept, and the possibilities of incorporating dietary fiber and PA into different highly consumed foods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The main research engine has been the PubMed database, although it has also been used Google Scholar, ResearchGate and SciELO. At the same time scientific articles, books and reports from reliable and corroborated sources have been revised. In addition, official documents have been consulted, as the 2018 Spanish Foods Consumption Report, published by the Spanish Ministry of Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación; the AESAN website, and the current food regulations. RESULTS: It is proved that the real dietary fiber intakes in different European countries, including in Spain, are far below the dietary reference intakes (DRI), in most of the studied age ranges. In this article, there are proposed strategies to achieve these DRI, particularly adding dietary fiber into highly consumed foods (i.e. meat matrices). The concept of functional foods is reviewed, and some of the most relevant publications reporting the effects of proanthocyanidins (PA) in relationship to the gut microbiome recovery, and its change to another related to the healthy people's microbiome. The mechanisms by which the gut microbiome is able to hydrolyse the PA, and consequently release metabolites with gut and systemic protective activity, is also discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Given that modifying the population consumption habits seems a difficult task, the alternative of formulating functional foods enriched with dietary fiber and PA it is suggested. The increasing positive evidence observed derived from the consumption of functional meat products to which carob fruit fiber has been added, suggests the relevance of continuing investigating on this field, and therefore start the formulation of new functional foods (i.e. cereals, creams, sweets, etc.) enriched with this PA-enriched fiber, which would lead to an adequate dietary fiber consumption and the benefits from its functional functions

Carob fruit extract-enriched meat improves pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction, hepatic insulin signaling and lipogenesis in late-stage type 2 diabetes mellitus model.

The inclusion of functional bioactive compounds of dietary fiber in meat products has been demonstrated to exert a significant impact on human health. Carob fruit extract (CFE) is a dietary fiber rich in proanthocyanidins with known antioxidant, hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic effects. Consumption of CFE-enriched meat (CFE-RM) may provide interesting benefits in late-stage type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). To explore the antidiabetic mechanisms of CFE-RM, we used a model of late-stage T2DM in Wistar rats fed a high-saturated-fat/high-cholesterol diet (Chol-diet) and injected streptozotocin plus nicotinamide (D group). The effects of CFE-RM were tested by incorporating it into the diet as preventive strategy (ED group) or curative treatment (DE group). CFE-RM had a positive effect on glycemia, enhancing hepatic insulin sensitivity and improving pancreatic ß-cell regeneration in both ED and DE groups. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry suggested that CFE-RM increased levels of insulin receptor ß and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, as well as the downstream target phospho-Akt (at Ser473). CFE-RM also up-regulated glucose transporter 2, which improves the insulin-mediated glucose uptake by the liver, and promoted phosphorylation of glycogen synthesis kinase-3ßprotein (at ser9), consequently increasing the hepatic glycogen content. In addition, CFE-RM decreased fatty liver by suppressing de novo lipogenesis activation due to down-regulation of liver X receptor-α/ß, sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c and carbohydrate-response element-binding protein transcription factors. Our findings suggest that the consumption of CFE-RM included in the diet as a functional food should be considered as a suitable nutritional strategy to prevent or manage late-stage T2DM.

Can Meat and Meat-Products Induce Oxidative Stress?

High meat and meat-products consumption has been related to degenerative diseases. In addition to their saturated fatty acids and cholesterol contents, oxidation products generated during their production, storage, digestion, and metabolization have been largely implicated. This review begins by summarizing the concept of meat and meat-products by the main international regulatory agencies while highlighting the nutritional importance of their consumption. The review also dials in the controversy of white/red meat classification and insists in the need of more accurate classification based on adequate scores. Since one of the negative arguments that meat receives comes from the association of its consumption with the increase in oxidative stress, main oxidation compounds (malondialdehyde, thermaloxidized compounds, 4-hydroxy-nonenal, oxysterols, or protein carbonyls) generated during its production, storage, and metabolization, are included as a central aspect of the work. The review includes future remarks addressed to study the effects meat consumption in the frame of diet-gene interactions, stressing the importance of knowing the genetic variables that make individuals more susceptible to a possible oxidative stress imbalance or antioxidant protection. The importance of consumed meat/meat-products in the frame of a personalized nutrition reach in plant-food is finally highlighted considering the importance of iron and plant biophenols on the microbiota abundance and plurality, which in turn affect several aspects of our physiology and metabolism.

Cuando el silicio transmuta en oro / When silicon transmutes in gold

Este trabajo describe las virtudes de una investigación centrada en el silicio, uno de los ingredientes más importantes pero menos conocidos de la cerveza, y su acción protectora a nivel neurodegenerativo. Entre los varios factores que contribuyen a la inducción y desarrollo de la enfermedad de Alzheimer, se encuentra el aluminio el cual tiende a concentrarse en el cerebro e inducir, entre otros mecanismos, alteraciones prooxidantes e inflamatorias. El silicio al bloquear esos efectos negativos, se convierte en un ingrediente estrella, que en términos alquimistas sugiere que puede transmutar en oro

This article describes the virtues of a research focused on silicon, one of the most important but least known ingredients in beer, and its protective action at the neurodegenerative level. Among the various factors contributing to the Alzheimer's disease induction and development, aluminum, by concentrating in brain induces, among other mechanisms, pro-oxidant and inflammatory disorders. Silicon, by blocking these negative effects, becomes a star ingredient, which in alchemist terms suggests that has the property to transmute into gold

The Nutritional Components of Beer and Its Relationship with Neurodegeneration and Alzheimer's Disease.

The prevalence of degenerative diseases has risen in western countries. Growing evidence suggests that demenia and other cognition affectations are associated with ambient factors including specific nutrients, food ingredients or specific dietary patterns. Mediterranean diet adherence has been associated with various health benefits and decreased risk of many diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders. Beer, as part of this protective diet, contains compounds such as silicon and hops that could play a major role in preventing brain disorders. In this review, different topics regarding Mediterranean diet, beer and the consumption of their main compounds and their relation to neurological health have been addressed. Taking into account published results from our group and other studies, the hypothesis linking aluminum intoxication with dementia and/or Alzheimer's disease and the potential role of regular beer has also been considered. Beer, in spite of its alcohol content, may have some health benefits; nonetheless, its consumption is not adequate for all subjects. Thus, this review analyzed some promising results of non-alcoholic beer on several mechanisms engaged in neurodegeneration such as inflammation, oxidation, and cholinesterase activity, and their contribution to the behavioral modifications induced by aluminum intoxication. The review ends by giving conclusions and suggesting future topics of research related to moderate beer consumption and/or the consumption of its major compounds as a potential instrument for protecting against neurodegenerative disease progression and the need to develop nutrigenetic and nutrigenomic studies in aged people and animal models.

Can Carob-Fruit-Extract-Enriched Meat Improve the Lipoprotein Profile, VLDL-Oxidation, and LDL Receptor Levels Induced by an Atherogenic Diet in STZ-NAD-Diabetic Rats?

Carob fruit extract (CFE) has shown remarkable in vitro antioxidant properties and reduces postprandial hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in healthy animals. Development of functional meat products that contain bioactive components are presented as a great nutritional strategy. Until now, the effect of the consumption of restructured meat enriched with CFE in a murine model of diabetes has not been investigated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect on glycemia, lipemia, lipoprotein profile, Ldlr, arylesterase (AE), and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) and liver oxidation in streptozotocin-nicotinamide (STZ-NAD) growing Wistar diabetic rats fed restructured meat in the frame of a high cholesterol/high saturated-fat diet. In the present study, three groups (D, ED and DE) were fed cholesterol-enriched (1.4% cholesterol and 0.2% cholic acid) and high saturated-fat diets (50% of total energy from fats and 20.4% from saturated fatty acids). Rats were subjected to a STZ-NAD administration at the 3rd week. Group D did not receive CFE, while ED and DE rat groups received CFE before and after the diabetic induction, respectively. After eight weeks, D rats showed hyperglycemia and hypercholesterolemia, an increased amount cholesterol-enriched VLDL (ß-VLDL), IDL and LDL particles and triglyceride-enriched HDL. ED and DE partially blocked the hypercholesterolemic induction with respect to D group (p < 0.001) and improved glycemia, cholesterol levels, lipoprotein profile, Ldlr, plasma AE activity and liver oxidation (p < 0.001). Fecal fat, moisture and excretion were higher while dietary digestibility was lower in ED and DE vs. D counterparts (p < 0.001). In conclusion, CFE-enriched meat shows, for the first time, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects in STZ-NAD animals fed high cholesterol/high saturated-fat diets. Likewise, it manages to reverse possible diabetes lipoprotein alterations if CFE-enriched meat is consumed before pathology development or improves said modifications if Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is already established.

Lipoprotein Profile in Aged Rats Fed Chia Oil- or Hydroxytyrosol-Enriched Pork in High Cholesterol/High Saturated Fat Diets.

Restructuring pork (RP) by adding new functional ingredients, like Chia oil (one of the richest natural source of α-linolenic acid) or hydroxytyrosol (HxT) (potent antioxidant), both with hypolipidemic activities, is one of the strategies that may help to reduce the potential negative effects of high meat products consumption. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Chia oil- or HxT-enriched-RP effect on the lipoprotein profile of aged rats fed high-fat, high-energy, and cholesterol-enriched diets. RP samples were prepared by mixing lean pork and lard with or without Chia oil (152.2 g/kg fresh matter) or HxT (3.6 g/kg fresh matter). Diets were prepared by mixing a semisynthetic diet with freeze-dried RP. Groups of 1-year male Wistar rats were fed the following experimental diets for 8 weeks: C, control-RP diet; HC, cholesterol-enriched-RP diet; and Chia oil-RP (CHIA) and HxT, Chia oil- or hydroxytyrosol-RP, cholesterol-enriched diet. Plasma lipid, lipoprotein profile, SREBP-1c protein, and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) receptor gene (Ldlr) expressions were evaluated. Compared to C diet, the HC diet increased plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acids, total lipids, and SREBP-1c expression, but reduced Ldlr expression and significantly modified the lipoprotein profile, giving rise to the presence of high levels of atherogenic cholesterol-enriched very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) particles. Compared to the HC diet, the HxT diet did not produce significant changes in feed intake but it reduced the body weight. Chia oil and HxT partially arrested the negative effects of the high-fat, high-energy, and cholesterol-enriched meat-based diets on lipemia and lipoproteinemia, mostly by reducing the amount of cholesterol content in VLDL (60% and 74% less in CHIA and HxT vs. HC, respectively) and the VLDL total mass (59% and 63% less in CHIA and HxT vs. HC, respectively). Free fatty acids (FFA) significantly correlated with adipose tissue weight and VLDL total mass (both p < 0.05), and plasma triglycerides, phospholipids, total lipids, and SREBP-1c (all p < 0.001), suggesting the important role of FFA in lipoprotein metabolism. Results support the recommendation to include these ingredients in pork products addressed to reduce the presence of increased atherogenic particles in aged people at CVD risk consuming large amounts of pork.

The triglyceride-glucose index, an insulin resistance marker in newborns?

The study aims to assess the utility of the triglyceride-glucose index (TyG) as a marker of insulin resistance (IR) in neonates. TyG and the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA-IR) values were compared in 196 singleton, term normoweight and without distress newborns. A Decision Tree procedure (CHAID) was used to classify cases into groups or predict values of a dependent (Ln HOMA-IR) variable. Three nodes were drawn for TyG: ≤ 6.7, > 6.7-7.8 and > 7.8 (p < 0.0001; F = 20.52). The predictability of those TyG values vs HOMA-IR was statistically significant (p < 0.0001). It was neither affected by gender (p = 0.084), glucose challenge test (p = 0.138) classifications nor by the TyG node* glucose challenge test and TyG node*gender interactions (p = 0.456 and p = 0.209, respectively). Glucose, HOMA-IR, and the triglyceride/HDL cholesterol ratio increased progressively from node 1 to 3 for TyG while QUICKI decreased. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, TyG appears to be a suitable tool for identifying IR at birth, justifying the further insulin determination in those neonates. TyG ≥ 7.8 is recommended as cut-off point in neonates. The need for a follow-up study to confirm the TyG as early IR marker is desirable. WHAT IS KNOWN: • HOMA-IR and the triglyceride-glucose index (TyG) show a high correlation. • The TyG has been used as an insulin resistance marker in adults. WHAT IS NEW: • This is the first study where TyG has been assessed in neonates. • TyG appears to be a suitable and cheap tool for identifying insulin resistance at birth.

Epigenetic effects of the pregnancy Mediterranean diet adherence on the offspring metabolic syndrome markers

Metabolic syndrome (MS) has a multifactorial and not yet fully clarified origin. Insulin resistance is a key element that connects all the accepted components of MS (obesity, dyslipemia, high blood pressure, and hyperglycemia). There is strong evidence that epigenetic changes during fetal development are key factors in the development of MS. These changes are induced by maternal nutrition, among different factors, affecting the intrauterine environment. The Mediterranean diet has been shown to be a healthy eating pattern that protects against the development of MS in adults. Similarly, the Mediterranean diet could have a similar action during pregnancy, protecting the fetus against the development of MS throughout life. This review assembles studies carried out, both in animals and humans, on the epigenetic modifications associated with the consumption, during pregnancy, of Mediterranean diet main components. The relationship between these modifications and the occurrence of factors involved in development of MS is also explained. In addition, the results of our group relating adherence to the Mediterranean diet with MS markers are discussed. The paper ends suggesting future actuation lines in order to increase knowledge on Mediterranean diet adherence as a prevention tool of MS development

Epigenetic effects of the pregnancy Mediterranean diet adherence on the offspring metabolic syndrome markers.

Metabolic syndrome (MS) has a multifactorial and not yet fully clarified origin. Insulin resistance is a key element that connects all the accepted components of MS (obesity, dyslipemia, high blood pressure, and hyperglycemia). There is strong evidence that epigenetic changes during fetal development are key factors in the development of MS. These changes are induced by maternal nutrition, among different factors, affecting the intrauterine environment. The Mediterranean diet has been shown to be a healthy eating pattern that protects against the development of MS in adults. Similarly, the Mediterranean diet could have a similar action during pregnancy, protecting the fetus against the development of MS throughout life. This review assembles studies carried out, both in animals and humans, on the epigenetic modifications associated with the consumption, during pregnancy, of Mediterranean diet main components. The relationship between these modifications and the occurrence of factors involved in development of MS is also explained. In addition, the results of our group relating adherence to the Mediterranean diet with MS markers are discussed. The paper ends suggesting future actuation lines in order to increase knowledge on Mediterranean diet adherence as a prevention tool of MS development.

Glucomannan or Glucomannan Plus Spirulina-Enriched Squid-Surimi Diets Reduce Histological Damage to Liver and Heart in Zucker fa/fa Rats Fed a Cholesterol-Enriched and Non-Cholesterol-Enriched Atherogenic Diet.

Glucomannan-enriched squid surimi improves cholesterolemia and liver antioxidant status. The effect of squid surimi enriched with glucomannan or glucomannan plus spirulina on liver and heart structures and cell damage markers was tested in fa/fa rats fed highly saturated-hyper-energetic diets. Animals were fed 70% AIN-93M rodent diet plus six versions of 30% squid surimi for 7 weeks: control (C), glucomannan (G), and glucomannan plus spirulina (GS). The cholesterol-control (HC), cholesterol-glucomannan (HG), and cholesterol-glucomannan plus spirulina (HGS) groups were given similar diets that were enriched with 2% cholesterol and 0.4% cholic acid. G and GS diets versus C diet significantly inhibited weight gain and lowered plasma alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, liver steatosis, lipogranulomas, and total inflammation and alteration scores. The hypercholesterolemic agent significantly increased the harmful effects of the C diet. Liver weight, the hepatosomatic index, all damage markers, and total histological scoring rose for HC versus C (at least P < .05). The addition of glucomannan (HG vs. HC) improved these biomarkers, and non-additional effects from spirulina were observed except for the total liver alteration score. In conclusion, glucomannan and glucomannan plus spirulina blocked the highly saturated-hyper-energetic diet negative effects both with and without added cholesterol. Results suggest the usefulness of including these functional ingredients in fish products.